Summary
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez is an acclaimed novel capturing the challenges faced by Latin American immigrants in the United States. While focusing on two families—one Mexican, the other Panamanian—the story weaves in the struggles and hopes of other Latin American immigrants through first-person perspectives. This multi-voiced approach offers a rich tapestry of experiences, promoting a nuanced understanding of the diverse immigrant community. Published in 2014, The Book of Unknown Americans has been widely praised for its poignant portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the elusive American dream.
Plot
The Book of Unknown Americans follows the Rivera family as they emigrate from Mexico to Delaware, seeking better treatment for their teenage daughter Maribel, who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Arturo and Alma Rivera struggle to adjust to life in America, facing language barriers and cultural challenges as they settle into a low-income apartment complex.
At the apartment complex, the Riveras meet the Toro family, immigrants from Panama. Mayor Toro, a shy teenager, falls in love with Maribel at first sight. As Mayor and Maribel's relationship blossoms, they find ways to communicate despite her injury. However, their budding romance is threatened by Garrett Miller, a bully from Mayor's school who sexually assaults Maribel.
Alma witnesses the assault but struggles to report it due to the language barrier. She keeps the incident from Arturo, fearing his reaction. Meanwhile, Arturo loses his job and work visa, jeopardizing the family's legal status in the US. Tensions rise when a neighbor, Quisqueya Solis, spreads rumors about Mayor and Maribel's relationship, causing Alma to ban Mayor from seeing her daughter.
The story reaches a tragic climax when Mayor takes Maribel on an impromptu beach trip. Believing Maribel has been kidnapped by Garrett, Alma reveals the truth about the assault to Arturo. Enraged, Arturo confronts Garrett's father, who shoots and kills him. In the aftermath, Alma decides to return to Mexico with Maribel, leaving behind their American dream and the community they had begun to call home.
Themes
Immigration and cultural adjustment
Love and family bonds
American Dream versus reality
Language barriers and communication challenges
Identity and belonging in a new country
Resilience in the face of adversity
Impact of trauma and loss
Setting
Set in the early 2010s, The Book of Unknown Americans unfolds primarily in a low-income apartment complex in Newark, Delaware. This setting serves as a microcosm of the immigrant experience in contemporary America, bringing together families from various Latin American countries.
The story's focal point is the Redwood Apartments, a two-story cinderblock complex that houses the novel's main characters. This modest residential area, situated just off a highway, becomes a melting pot of diverse immigrant stories and struggles. The nearby Evers School, which specializes in educating students with intellectual disabilities, plays a crucial role in the plot as it represents hope for Maribel's recovery.
Beyond the immediate setting, the novel touches on the characters' places of origin, including Mexico, Panama, and other Latin American countries. These background locations provide context for the cultural identities and personal histories the characters bring with them to their new American home. The contrast between their previous lives and their current circumstances underscores the aspirations and challenges common to immigrants in the United States.
Characters
Alma Rivera: A Mexican immigrant and mother to Maribel. Alma is plagued by guilt over her daughter's injury and struggles to adapt to life in America. She narrates much of the novel, offering insights into the immigrant experience and her fierce devotion to her family. Alma's journey is central to the story as she navigates cultural barriers and personal trauma.
Arturo Rivera: Alma's husband and Maribel's father. He moves the family to America in hopes of getting better treatment for Maribel. Arturo works long hours at a mushroom farm to support his family. His dedication and optimism in the face of adversity make him a sympathetic character.
Maribel Rivera: The 15-year-old daughter of Alma and Arturo who suffered a traumatic brain injury in Mexico. Her recovery is the primary reason for the family's move to America. Despite her difficulties communicating, Maribel forms a close bond with Mayor Toro. Her character represents both vulnerability and resilience.
Mayor Toro: A teenage boy whose family immigrated from Panama. Mayor falls in love with Maribel and becomes a key narrator. His perspective offers insight into the experiences of first-generation immigrants and the challenges of balancing two cultures. Mayor's relationship with Maribel drives much of the plot.
Celia Toro: Mayor's mother and a friend to Alma. She struggles with homesickness for Panama and the limitations placed on her by traditional gender roles. Celia's friendship with Alma highlights the sense of community among immigrants in the apartment complex.
Rafael Toro: Mayor's father, who adheres to traditional gender roles and has difficulty expressing emotion. He works hard to provide for his family but struggles to connect with his sensitive son Mayor. Rafael's character illustrates the generational and cultural divides within immigrant families.
Garrett Miller: A classmate who bullies Mayor and sexually assaults Maribel. His actions have devastating consequences for the Rivera family. Garrett represents the threat of xenophobia and violence that immigrants often face.
Quisqueya Solis: A nosy neighbor who causes trouble by spreading gossip about Mayor and Maribel. Her actions highlight the complex social dynamics within the immigrant community.
Benny Quinto: A former priest who turns to questionable means to make money. His story adds depth to the diverse experiences of Latin American immigrants in the novel.
Gustavo Milhojas: A resident of the apartment complex who supports his family from abroad. His background as half-Mexican and half-Guatemalan provides insight into issues of identity within immigrant communities.
Adolfo “Fito” Angelino: The landlord of the apartment complex where many of the characters live. He plays a minor but supportive role in the immigrant community.
Nelia Zafon: A Puerto Rican former dancer who now owns the local theater. Her character adds to the diverse tapestry of Latin American experiences in the novel.
Quick facts
The Book of Unknown Americans was originally conceived as a short story told from Mayor's point of view.
The story is told from multiple first-person perspectives.
Cristina Henríquez conducted extensive research and interviews with immigrants to inform the novel's authenticity.
The Book of Unknown Americans is set primarily in Newark, Delaware.
One of the main characters, Maribel, suffers from a traumatic brain injury.
The novel explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the American Dream.
The book features characters from various Latin American countries, including Mexico, Panama, and Puerto Rico.
The Book of Unknown Americans was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2014.
The Book of Unknown Americans was named one of The Best Books of 2014 by Amazon.com.
The Daily Beast named The Book of Unknown Americans the Novel of the Year.
About the Author
Cristina Henríquez is a renowned American author known for her compelling novels and short stories that often explore themes of immigration, identity, and cultural diversity. Her most notable works include The World in Half (2009), tracing a daughter’s search for the father she never knew, and The Book of Unknown Americans (2014), exploring the experiences of Latin American immigrants. Her latest novel, The Great Divide (2024), delves into the history of the Panama Canal, shedding light on the often-overlooked individuals who played crucial roles in its construction.
Henríquez's writing has garnered significant acclaim and recognition. The Book of Unknown Americans was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2014 and received numerous accolades, including being longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. Her work has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience in America.
A graduate of the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop, Henríquez's literary contributions extend beyond novels. Her writing has appeared in esteemed publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times Magazine. She has also contributed to anthologies and received the Alfredo Cisneros Del Moral Foundation Award. Through her work, Henríquez continues to give voice to underrepresented narratives and explore the complexities of cultural identity in the modern world.
